Wheel ... Of ... Turmoil!!!

Time to play spin the wheel of turmoil at the Rushville Police Department. Let’s see -- there goes a firing, there goes an unjustified promotion, there goes an unnecessary construction project, there goes a hiring and what do we land on…a demotion.

December 7th … a day that will live in infamy. (No, this is not about the tragic events of Pearl Harbor.) This is a covert move of another sort. I have it from several contributors that our assistant chief of police will once again be patrolling the streets of Rushville with a new title.
Does anyone else remember when this appointment was made and the outcry from RT bloggers? Some of whom I think own a badge. Yeah -- I do too.

What has transpired in the land of milk and fear that is the RPD? I’m sure we will be told some story about going a different direction or manpower demands warranted a change. Well, for the record, I’m not buying it. I think our chief just has an itch every month that must be scratched. Is it the “power trip itch?” You do it my way or look at what happens. How many think this is an effective way to earn respect or initiate team building in the department that has been under the microscope for over a year? Well, over a year if you include the extensive amount of time Ron and Bob Miller spend analyzing the department for Merv’s campaign. I would think at some point an “aw shucks…I’ll take the job” department head would want the spotlight to be pointed elsewhere.

One thing we can look forward to is an early Friday morning Board of Works meeting. If the recent pattern holds true, a special meeting will be called to address this. Mr. Shuman had a special meeting to accept his “resignation” on 10/3 of this year (10:00 am to 10:08 am). What a marathon meeting. This same meeting is where a resignation was accepted from a city parks employee. The promotion of two officers to sergeant came from an early morning meeting (9:00 am). Nice way to keep the government transparent, mayor. We will just hold the meetings while everyone is working.

1. Will there be anyone naïve enough to accept the Asst. Chief position?
2. What will the wheel of turmoil produce next month?
3. Why did Mr. Shuman resign so shortly after being hired?
4. Why don’t we have any female or minority officers?
5. Doesn’t it look as though the ease of which Mr. Cameron said a department could be run, when critiquing Chief Fudge, has changed?
6. When will the department lift the “Don’t write any tickets program”? Merv and Mr. Goins are safely in office and it seems safe to enforce the law again (if you doubt what I am saying, ask any past officer or compare the police blotters date for date).
7. Do you think that the world has changed a little since Mr. Cameron was in charge the last time: like the public relations, the media and the human resources responsibilities?
8. Will Ronnie throw his name in the head of the GOP? Or is he still a member after supporting two consecutive democratic candidates?

Comments

[What I think]

I believe Ron Cameron has put a light on the police department that it does not need. We do have good officers in that department that I fear will go down along with the chief when it's over. "Guilt by Association." Mr. Cameron thinks just because he use to be a police officer he knows everything. Grow up Ron an admit that maybe you are to old to be in that position. Things have changed since you were a polic officer. Let the younger officers, who by the way could do a much better job, step in and clean house. No more promoting the youngest officers to positions they do not earn or deserve. Do the right thing for a change!

[Duh]

It seems to me that Dean and the chief were thick as thieves (pun intended) before the election and up to this point. Perhaps the assistant chief has outlived his usefulness as an "inside" source, pointing out the weak links of the previous brass at the department. Or maybe he finally grew a set and realized that more than half of what's going on at RPD is less than ethical.
My understanding is that "back in the day" ole Ron never had an assistant chief. Perhaps he's found a new snitch to fill the position? Maybe he's going back to that "dictatorship" mentality ... oh wait, he never left it. My bad.
The sad thing is the FEW good officers left have to be pretty worn down by now. Can they survive another three years and a month? Or will they too be run off like those who chose to leave rather than be dragged down with the ship? (I do believe that there are two who we are better off without. However, the rest in that LONG list are a loss to the department and the community.)
As for all of the "new" faces at RPD ... who wouldn't want to stay? All you have to do is show up, drive around in your police car OR sit on station and answer whatever call dispatch throws at you. Don't worry about being proactive in areas where you can be or community policing or getting to know the citizens ... just be seen and not heard unless someone cries help. Sounds like easy money to me.
The other question that should be added to your list ... will Dean be demoted back to patrolman as policy dictates? Or will he be given some rank to save face? Guess that will depend on how bad he peeved the old guy off.
Maybe Merv could get Bob Miller to be Ron's assistant chief ... what do you think Rushville?

[Skeptic]

Not to mention all of the "new faces" were hired without benefit of a public hiring process. Not to mention Ron has intentionally overlooked qualified candidates due to his own personal grudges. Seems like the way to get a job as a cop here in Rushville is to put on your knee pads and climb under ole Ron's desk for a while.

[Time to start addressing the real issue instead of picking on individuals...]

I think people are missing the point. Dean will no doubt be on day shift. Day shift is usually made up of one uniformed officer and the administration behind desks in plain clothes driving unmarked vehicles, leaving them without enforcement powers. Do you think one lone officer, Dean or otherwise, could effectively respond to a school shooting? A bank robbery? A traffic accident at a busy intersection needing traffic direction while someone investigates? Think of all the crimes that could happen, and do happen, in daylight hours. I think the public of this city need to demand some change before we are left with incapable officers that are not properly trained nor equipped to respond to calls ranging in thefts to violent felonies. The officers themselves I feel are capable, but they can not do their jobs when their boss restricts them with policies, rules, and not properly equipping them.

[anyone surprised]

RT, I believe you are right that the Assistant Chief will no longer be. For the last month, at least, the Assistant Chief has had to take calls while Captain Williams sat at the desk playing administrator. Now, I am not a big fan of Fish, but he should have known by now that Williams will do anything to anyone to get himself promoted. As far as the SGT. promotions, these 2 individuals got their positions by kissing up to Ron. Besides that, Ron can't have sgts. that are smarter than he is or thinks he is. I hope the republicans remember who Ron backed as Mayor and I think his bridges should have been burnt as far as any republican appointments. Ron also can't get it into his head that this is not the 80's. Crimes and drugs are in Rushville and the schools and I think he just turns a blind eye. We have lost some very good officers. Some of the officers that are gone deserved to be gone. Others, do not. I know this is just my opinion, but as they saying goes, a*sholes are like opinions, everyone has one. Also, I look for Larry Copely somehow to get back into the local police department since he no longer works for homeland security......

[Jim Huston]

Maybe I'm just dense (well, no maybe about it, sometimes!), but I can't for the life of me figure out why a department our size needs a Chief, an Assistant Chief, AND a Captain. That seems awfully topheavy to me. What do they all do? Would someone please sort out their duties for me?

[mad as hell]

They do absolutely nothing. I do not think that Tim Williams will be put back in the position of Assistant Chief, as Ron wants to run the show alone. Kind of like the old days, he can do as he wishes without anybody to tell him different.
Some of the officers use to be able to go back to the Law Enforcement Academy for updated training and to teach some classes there as well. Ron has seen fit that these officers are told no anytime they ask for permission to attend anything that would further their careers or give them an advantage to do their jobs better. He is not willing to keep the officers up to date on training that could some day save their lives along with people in our community. I guess he just figures everybody should stay as stupid as he is.

[Jim Huston]

Prob'ly used up the training budget on the new driveway...

[Duh]

Jim,
I understand the chain of command where a chief, assistant chief and captain are necessary. Typically, the chief deals with city hall/mayor/council, the budget, purchasing cars, etc. The assistant is usually in charge of scheduling, the department's training and over dispatch, and does more of the administrative tasks when the chief gets too much on his plate. The captain is in charge of all of the road officers, with sergeants being the lead for their shift.
Of course, there are many other things that they do that I didn't mention. My outline is just the broad strokes as it should be.
Also, if you'd like to know specifically what each person's responsibilities are ... you can go down to city hall and request a copy of their position descriptions. These were done as part of the wage study a couple of years back and should be a matter of public record. Unless Czar Merv says otherwise, of course.

Others,
There are some SERIOUS training and equipment (or lack there of) issues with officers of RPD. This deficit and responsibility for it lies SOLELY with the chief and what he will and won't allow at HIS department. I hope he can live with himself if someone is seriously injured or worse ... and God forbid it would happen ... but if it does ... I hope the family of that officer sues the backside off of the city!!!
There should be TWO uniformed officers on duty during the day unless someone is on vacation or they are shorthanded again. The chief and assistant should be the only ones in plain clothes (and only when the day/activities dictate it) unless the detective is working something that calls for it. The captain should ALWAYS be in uniform unless working a special detail. ALL should be available to back up a road officer at a moment's notice.
Anything less than two officers on any shift, with administrative officers a phone call away (IF they answer), is a detriment to the officers and to the citizens of the city.
That's my nickel's worth.

[Jim Huston]

Thanks, Duh, that clarifies things for me, though I still wonder if there's actually enough administrative and supervisory work to justify three employees when an infantry platoon of roughly the same size does it with two. 'Course, maybe that's why Dean's going back to patrol.

[Really?]

Are you serious that there aren't two uniformed officers on duty at all times? How stupid and dangerous is that. Is it lack of thought, money, what the heck is it? Are we all that cheap?

[Time for a change at the city and county level!]

Hey Really? There's never been two officers on duty during day shift, as well as night shift. That last one is true for the county as well. And if you think the state police are out there after dark, you're fooling yourself. One officer for the entire city, and one officer for the entire county. How safe do you feel? Think about that lone county officer stopping a suspicious vehicle by himself on HWY 244 at 3 in the morning. How safe does he feel?

[duh!]

Hey Time for a change at the city and county level, as far as the city I couldn't agree more. As far as the county, did you fail to see that the commissioners finally budgeted for an additional deputy. That means during night shifts we have more than one officer. There may be an overlap of a couple of hours but hiring the new deputy which is Doug Keith certainly helped. Sheriff Sherwood would hire more of he could. However, new positions have to be budgeted for and passed by the Rush County Council and the State also has to approve the budget. These meetings are open to the public.. attend one and see what happens before you spout your mouth about change for the county. Sheriff Sherwood has stood by his election promises. You need to pay a little closer attention to the newspaper.

[concerned]

Lets ask the RT viewers another question.... Why since he is such a good officer was Mr Keith put on a suspension from RCSD? Does anyone know that answer? People are always quick to point fingers at the RPD lets get the dirt out on this issue.

[Thoth]

Disappointment is what I have to say. I believed the officer in question to be different than some of those who have "moved on". I was wrong. I don't understand the culture at the local law enforcement offices that "breeds" this type behavior. One and done would be my policy. Suspension...? nice job Jeff. Let's just keep feeding the monster. If the consequences where more severe, this type behavior would stop. As a police officer you are role model to kids. Take a little pride in your job and the position that has been entrusted you by the citizens.

[Time for a change at the city and county level!]

Hey Duh! Ask your friend Sherwood what happens to his numbers on holidays. Sometimes the slowest days, sometimes the busiest, there is usually only one deputy on the road each holiday. I'm NOT BLAMING Jeff, I think he's doing a great job, I blame the commissioners for having short-handed his department and county emergency services for a long time.

[Skeptic]

Actually, most nights after 0300 (you know, last call time?) there are only two cars out in the whole of Rush county, one city, one county car, that's it. The State boys are at home in bed by then. So when you call for the police when a drunk moron runs into the front of your house don't be surprised if it takes them a while to get there.

[Concerned 2]

So, what was the issue that got Mr. Keith suspended?

[geewiz]

Get a grip you gossip spreading hatemongers! Doug was not suspended he was given time off to deal with person family issues that are none of our business! There are plenty of made up cop television shows you can watch if you want drama. Quit trying to make things up to create your own.

[RUSHVILLE KNOWS]

geewiz

He was given 3 days off without pay. I know for a fact.

[concerned]

Maybe if Mr. Keith would stick with his own family matters then he wouldnt have been suspended! As for you geewiz why dont you go tell your story to the cop television show then maybe a real investigation would be done on him!

[laughinsohard]

Hey, RON CAMERON for PRESIDENT!!!! such a joke. Who could be happy around there. Officers with enough experience, dedication, and passion for RPD that they choose not to go else where, get passed up for promotion...wow. Guess the city will have to start issuing out lipstick so the officers can start kissing more ass to get anywhere in their career. God forbid any of them speak their mind.

[Over It]

Officer Keith is an asset to local law enforcement. He is an excellent and caring officer and we are lucky to have him. His personal life and how he chooses to conduct it is none of my concern ... or anyone elses.